USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 157
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The Hon. Timothy Jenkins was a native of New England, a descendant from the hardy, conscientious, devout first settlers of that seminal part of our country. He was born Jan. 29, 1799, in the town of Barre, State of Massachusetts, of parenta whose genealogy showed them to be allied to the early Puri- tans of Plymouth. They were farmers, and intended for their son no other occupation in lite. It was their wish that he and his only brother should own and till the same farm which had been bequeathed them by their father. Ere he had attained his sixteenth year his father had been removed by death. From that day he was left to maintain himself, mark out and pursue his own plan of life. He soon determined to seek a higher intellectual culture, to penetrate some of the regions of science and learning of which he had, in his ele- mentary studies, caught some glimpses. At the age of eighteen Mr. Jenkins removed to Washington County, this State; there he resided two years, attending the academies at Salem and White Creek. During that time he devoted himself assid- uously to the attainment of classical and scientific learning. He then entered upon and pursued for three years the honor- able employment of school-teacher, in the prosecution of which he was continually extending and perfecting his acquaintance with several sciences and classical literature. At that time he commenced the study of the law, the practice of which he had determined should be the profession of his life. After- wards, having prosecuted his legal studies the required term under two distinguished lawyers in Utica, Mr. Jenkins was admitted to the bar in 1825. Soon after he opened an office in the adjoining village of Vernon, and in 1832 he removed and settled himself upon this spot.
From that time until his death, which occurred Dec. 24, 1859, he was constantly engaged in an ever-increasing legal business, extending into adjacent counties, and often into more distant parts of the State.
In 1840, Mr. Jenkins was appointed the prosecuting attor- ney of Oneida County, and he held that responsible office five years. During his term of service the criminal business of the county was unusually large, but his onerous duties were dis_ charged with signal ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his legal brethren and of the people generally.
For ten years, under the appointing power of the State, Mr.
Jenkins held the office of attorney to the Oneula Indians, and to this remnant of a once noble tribe of the aboriginals of our country he faithfully extended the benefits of his talents and influence. In 1844 he was elected a representative to the Congress of the United States; also in 1846, and again in 1850. During those six years in that exalted but often desecrated station, Mr. Jenkins served his constituents, his State, the republic, and the cause of humanity with a fidelity to prin- ciple and independence of party that gained for him universal respect, and made him a still greater favorite of the people. He is believed to have been one of those who devised the " Wilmot Proviso." If he did not originate the measure he was early in the counsels of those who did. He supported it with great earnestness, although he knew it was displeasing to many of his own party. Mr. Jenkins was from early life a Democrat in his political belief; he nevertheless opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which repealed the Missouri Compromise. In 1856 he joined the Fremont movement, and ever after acted with the Republicans.
Mr. Jenkins was a man positive in intellect, disposition, and in heart. He commenced life under disadvantageous circum- stances, but there was no man who enjoyed more entirely the confidence and respect of the whole community. He was highly distinguished for his learning and industry in his pro- fession, his great personal resolution and perseverance, and he maintained a position in the very first rank at the bar. Although not an orator as that term is generally understood, his speeches were always sound, logical, and to the point, and in the preparation of his causes he had no superior. In his religious convictions he was earnest and decided, and took a prominent part in the formation of a Unitarian society in Vernon and the erection of an edifice. To those who knew him slightly he appeared cold and distant, but a better acquaintance showed him genial and communicative, with a heart brimful of love and kindness to all.
In 1822, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Miss Florilla Tuttle, of Vernon, which marriage was terminated by the death of the wife about a year afterwards. In 1829, Mr. Jenkins married Miss Harriet Tuttle, a sister of his deceased wife, who still survives him. She was a sharer of his earlier struggles and a partaker of his later successes.
577
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Court, then in session in that place. He would have been sixty-one years of age the following month, January, 1860, had he lived. His death was sincerely mourned in both public and private cireles, and resolutions of regard and condolence were adopted by the Oneida County bar and various organizations. The papers of the State published notices of his death and sketches of his career, and univer- sally paid tribute to his worth.
Many studied law with Mr. Jenkins at Oneida Castle, and were aided by him in reaching perfection in their pro- fession. The first lawyer who practiced here was George Baldwin, the first postmaster. Among those from this place who afterwards became prominent was Chauncey Shaffer, who was for some time a school-teacher at this vil- lage. He practiced law to some extent in Oneida and Madison Counties, and finally removed to New York City, where he now resides.
ONEIDA COMMUNITY MANUFACTURES.
On the Seneca turnpike, east of Oneida Castle, is a large briek building, owned by the Oneida Community, and erected in 1864, on the site of an old plaster-mill which was the property of a Mr. Wager. The present factory began operations in 1865. The articles manufactured are steel-traps and sewing-silk. A wheel-barrow factory near by also belongs to the Community, but is rented to another party, who conducts the business on his own account. In the hardware department, at the time it was visited (June 10, 1878), thirty-eight hands were employed ; this number is often increased to sixty or seventy. The silk depart- ment, when full, furnishes work to about one hundred hands. The capital formerly employed in these departments was $200,000, but has been considerably reduced. The sales of traps in 1877 amounted to the sum of $87,450, and those of silks much more. The main buildings of the Com- munity are located in the picturesque valley of Oneida Creek, immediately over the line in Madison County, south from the village of Oneida Castle, and are tasty and sub- stantial in appearance. Various literary entertainments are given by the Community during the year, which are largely attended by the people living outside.
VILLAGE OF VERNON.
This village was incorporated by a legislative aet passed April 6, 1827, and was bounded as follows : " Beginning at the southeast corner of Van Eps' Patent, and running thence northerly along the east line of patent to Bcaver Meadow Creek ; thence down the centre of said ereek to the Scanandoa Creek ; thence down the centre of said last-mentioned creek to the east line of Josiah Patten's land ; thence along the east line of Josiah Patten's land to the south line of Van Eps' Patent; thence along the south line of Van Eps' Patent to the place of beginning."
The first election for village officers was held on the third Tuesday in May, 1827, and choice made of the fol- lowing persons, viz. : Trustees, John P. Sherwood, Esq., Thomas Williams, Luke Hitchcock, Salmon Case, Robert Richardson ; Assessors, Henry Y. Stewart, John Stevens, Ira B. Kirtland ; Treasurer, J. H. Collins.
John P. Sherwood was afterwards chosen President of
the Board, and Timothy Jenkins Clerk. The following is a list of the Trustees of the village from 1828 to 1878, in- clusive :
1828 .- Abraham Van Eps, Salmon Case, Myron Jewell, Edward Allen, Ira S. Hitchcock.
1829 .- Abraham Van Eps, Salmon Case, Morris Ben- nett, Charles Kirtland, Benjamin Nute.
1830 .- John P. Sherwood, Myron Jewell, Morris Ben- nett, James Kellogg, John S. King.
1831 .- Ariel Norton, James S. Douglass, David D. Dem- ing, Shelburn Ives, James Camp.
1832 .- Abraham Van Eps, John P. Sherwood, Salmon Case, James S. Donglass, Charles Kirtland.
1833 .- Abraham Van Eps, Salmon Case, Myron Jewell, James S. Douglass, Luke Hitchcock.
1834 .- Abraham Van Eps, Ichabod Hand, Roswell Jud- son, Welcome Sayles, James Kellogg.
1835 .- Abraham Van Eps, Salmon Case, Martin Tur- ner, Benjamin Nute, Ichabod Hand.
1836 .- Martin Turner, A. Van Eps, Charles Kirtland, Chester Darling, Salmon Case.
1837 .- James E. Southworth. Henry Ney, Orville L. Knox, Martin Turner, Oliver Sewell, Jr. (Sewell and Tur- ner failed to qualify, and William N. Beebe and Caleb MeKeel were chosen in their stead).
1838 .- A. Van Eps, Salmon Case, Ichabod Hand, J. Whipple Jenkins, Luke Hitchcock.
1839 .- Same as 1838.
1840 .- Charles Kirtland, Hiram Church, William N. Beebe, Benjamin S. Williams, Henry Ney.
1841 .- Erastus W. Clark, Nathan Burchard, Isaac Free- man, George Stodard, James E. Southworth.
1842 .- No record.
1843 .- E. W. Clark, Isaac Freeman, Salmon Case, J. W. Jenkins, Benjamin S. Williams.
1844 .- No record.
1845 .- T. F. Hand, George Stodard, Samuel Carter, Thomas Williams, Jr., A. Pierson Case.
1846 .- George Stodard, James Turner, G. H. G. But- trick, T. F. Hand, Charles Kilbourne.
1847 .- No record.
1848 .- George Stodard, Thomas Williams, Jr., Theo- dore F. Hand, Charles Kilbourne, A. P. Case.
1849 .- No record.
1850 .- George H. Allen, N. F. Metcalf, T. F. Hand, Joel H. Hills, John Long.
1851 .- John Long, N. F. Metcalf, James R. Fuller, Orson Carpenter, Martin L. Kirtland.
1852 .- James R. Fuller, John Long, Orson Carpenter, M. L. Kirtland, Chauncey H. Hale.
1853 .- A. Pierson Case, Thomas Williams, Jr., Orson Carpenter, Charles M. Ward.
1854 .- L. W. McIntosh, A. P. Case, M. L. Kirtland, Joseph S .. Bettis, J. R. Howlett.
1855 .- L. W. MeIntosh, J. R. Howlett, M. L. Kirt- land, J. D. Hinckley, A. P. Case.
1856 .- John Long, S. Townsley, J. D. Hinckley, R. F. Stewart, J. B. Kirtland.
1857 .- Josiah Case, Ira B. Kirtland, Samuel W. Cheever, John B. Loomis, John Long.
73
578
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1858 .- John Long, I. B. Kirtland, S. W. Cheever, J. B. Loomis, Josiah Case.
1859 .- Everett Case, John Long, S. W. Cheever, I. B. Kirtland, Joel H. Hills.
1860 .- John Long, Everett Case, S. W. Cheever, Thomas B. White, Joel H. Hills.
1861 .- Everett Case, M. L. Kirtland, Isaac Freeman, John Long, Thomas B. White.
1862 .- C. Wetmore, A. P. Case, E. Case, J. R. Fuller, W. N. Beebe.
1863 .- Everett Case, James R. Fuller, William N. Beebe, Calvary Wetmore, J. H. Hills.
1864 .- Everett Case, John B. Loomis, George D. Torry, Ira B. Kirtland, John B. Young.
1865 .- J. R. Fuller, J. H. Hills; Milton H. Campbell, Charles D. Simmons, Chauncey S. Todd.
1866 .- No record.
1867 .- A. P. Case, C. M. Ward, James Rodenhurst, Jacob Ethridge, Ira C. Kirtland.
1868 .- No record. Four of the Trustees this year were A. Pierson Case, C. M. Ward, Ira B. Kirtland, and Jacob Ethridge.
1869 .- Josiah Case, John B. Young, I. B. Kirtland, John Tuffts, Ard. Judson.
1870 .- Orson Carpenter, Josiah Case, Jacob S. Ethridge, Ira B. Kirtland, Ard. Judson.
1871-73 .- Everett Case, Jacob S. Ethridge, Ard. Jud- son, Ira B. Kirtland, Orson Carpenter.
1874 .- Everett Case, Ralph McIntosh, Charles M. Ward, Charles H. Pfister, John H. Wood.
1875-77 .-- R. McIntosh, L. A. Griswold, C. H. Pfister, A. B. Pardee, J. H. Wood.
1878 .- Trustees, Godfried Pfister (President), A. P. Case, Henry A. Williams, Matthew Pennock, Charles D. Simmons ; Assessors, Niles L. Tilden, Sberman Townsley, Charles M. Ward.
Fire Department .- The " Vernon Village Fire Company" was organized June 18, 1827. A small hand-engine had been previously purchased, and this year it was repaired, and a quantity of new hose procured. The same was done in 1831. On the 29th of June, 1833, a new fire company was organized, with seventeen members. A new engine was purchased in 1840, and an engine-house built, costing $150. The latter has since been enlarged. A hand-engine was purchased from second hands in 1872, at a cost of $300, together with 200 feet of hose, costing $210. Two reservoirs have been constructed and walled up with stone, to be used in case of fire. The village has several times been in danger of destruction by the flames, but the efforts of the firemen prevented such a disaster. The membership of the department June 11, 1878, was 35, and its officers the following, viz. : Josiah W. Jenkins, Foreman ; John H. Wood, Assistant Foreman ; Daniel Burke, Secretary and Treasurer ; W. H. Hills, Foreman of Hose.
J. B. Loomis, the present clerk of the village, is the grandson of Esquire Ephraim Blackmer and Nathaniel" Loomis, who located in the county early, both in West- moreland ; the house of the latter is yet standing upon the line between Westmoreland and Whitestown. Mr. Loomis settled about 1792. Mr. Blackmer died when compara-
tively a young man. His daughter, the wife of John Loomis, and mother of J. B. Loomis, of Vernon, resided on one place for more than seventy years.
Salmon Case, from Norfolk, Litchfield Co., Conn., came to this village in 1813, and resided here until his death, in 1871. He was married in 1817 to Maria Pierson, daugh- ter of Benjamin Pierson, who settled in the place about 1800. He had previously lived in Cazenovia, Madison Co., and upon removing to Vernon built, in 1801-2, the front part of the tavern now owned by A. B. Pardee, in the east part of the village. The portion which he erected was an addition to a building which was standing when he came, and previously kept as a tavern by one of the Hubbelis. Mr. Pierson died while visiting in Con- necticut:
When Salmon Case came here he opened a " country store," and in time considerably enlarged his stock to meet the demands of his growing and successful trade. He was the first cashier of the old Bank of Vernon, and a promi- nent man among the Whig politicians, being the candidate of the latter for Congress io 1844; owing to their then hopeless minority in this district he was defeated. He was twice supervisor of the town. From the fact of his coming here as a druggist, he was always called " Doctor" Case. Although not connected with any of the churches of the village, he aided largely in their support, and was also chiefly instrumental in establishing the old academy.
The oldest residents of the village at present are Mrs. Salmon Case, who came here when but a year or two old (born in Cazenovia in 1799) with her father ; and Benja- min S. Williams, whose father, Thomas Williams, was one of the early settlers. Another (younger) son of the latter, Thomas Williams, Jr., is also a resident of the village. Thomas Williams, Sr., owned an extensive tannery in the southeast part of the village, which was finally burned down and never rebuilt. Mr. Williams came here from New Hartford in 1803 (his father, Thomas Williams, was originally from Roxbury, Mass.), and built his tannery. His father and his uncle (Ezekiel Williams) were in the same business at New Hartford. Mr. Williams had here at one time one of the largest tanneries in this region. His son, Benjamin S. Williams, now in his seventy-second year, is the oldest native of the corporation now living within it. In connection with his tannery, Thomas Williams conducted the business of shoe and harness making and currying. He was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church at the village.
The Vernon post-office was established early in the history of the place, and the mail carried over a route extending between it and Peterboro', Madison County. Ward Root, now living southwest of Vernon village, car- ried mail between these two places when a young man. The present incumbent of the office at Vernon is Ralph McIntosh, who also has a law-office in the place ; his deputy is M. P. Brewer.
Mrs. Charles Kellogg, of Utica, is a daughter of Abra- ham Van Eps, the patentee of the tract on which the village of Vernon is located, who has been previously mentioned as the first merchant here or in the county.
The hotel now owned by C. Turner, and known as the "Empire House," was built for a dwelling by Hezekiah
579
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and Asa Ames (brothers), who had a earding-machine and fulling-mill on or near the Seanandoa Creek. The build- ing was converted into a hotel, probably by Mr. Brown, who occupied it but a short time. Shelburn Ives, now deceased, owned and occupied it afterwards for many years.
The old Hubbell-afterwards Pierson-Tavern was the first one in the place. During the present season (1878) it has been greatly enlarged and improved. The present residence of A. Judson was long kept as a hotel, its first occupant in that capacity probably being Samuel Gay, who kept it as early as 1813. Whether it was built for a hotel or a dwelling is not at present certain.
A public library association was formed at Vernon in 1806, the following proceedings at its organization being taken from its records, which are preserved no later than 1811 :
"VERNON, April 8. 1806.
" At a legal meeting of the proprietors, who, for the purpose of forming themselves into a library,
" Voted, That Josiah Patten he chairman of said meeting.
" Voted, That Joseph Hopkins be clerk of said meeting.
" Voted, That Josiah Patten, Hoet Hills, Joseph Hopkins, Eliphaz Bissell, Alanson Pierson, Amos Woodward, William Root, William Grant, and Asahel Gridley be chosen trustees of said library com- pany.
"Voted, That Joseph Hopkins be librarian by the voice of the tras- tees,-Asahel Gridley, chairman.
" Voted, That Joseph Hopkins be treasurer of said library.
" Voted, Tho books of said library he kept at Van Eps & Hopkins' store for the year ensuing.
" Voted, That Josiah Patten, Eliphaz Bissell, and Asahel Gridley be a committee to purchase books and other materials necessary for said library."
The following bill of books purchased for this library will no doubt repay a perusal :
" VERNON SOCIAL LIBRARY,
" Bought of George Richards, Jr.,
"UTICA, 26th April, Į 1806.
1 Adams' View of Religion. $2.25-1 vol.
1 Hallyburton Enquiry. 1.75-1 «
1 Newton's Prophecies 3.25-2 "
1 Paley's N. Theology. 1.00-1 «
1 Mendon Evidence 0.75-1
I Mason Self Knoledge 0.75-1 «
1 Hervey's Meditatioo. 0.87-1 #
1 Goldsmith's Rome
1.00-1
] Goldsmith's Greece.
1.00-1
1 Russell's Modera Europe .. 13.50-5 4
1 Mavor's Voyages and Travels
30.00-24
1 Bargh's Dignity
2.00-1
1 Forsyth's Fruit-Trees.
1.75-1
1 Algerine Captive.
1.50-2
I Interesting Metooir
1.00-1 4
1 Stewart's Elements ..
2.00-1 4
1 Young's Night Thoughts 1.00-1
] Thomson's Seasons. 0.75-1 =
1 Life of Joseph ..
0.624-1 "
$60.75₺-48 vols.
Discount 10 per cent ..
6.67
Errors Excepted.
$60.08
" Received payment of A. Gridley & E. Bissell,
" GEO. RICHARDS, JR."
The library was incorporated April 14, 1806, and on the same date a code of by-laws was adopted for its regulation.
The village has at present one resident lawyer, Ralph MeIntosh, in whose office D. C. Burke and Sheldon S. Judson are students. The physicians are Drs. Isaae Free- man, F. A. Gary, and - Chamberlain. Philander P. Root is a student with Dr. Gary.
NATIONAL BANK OF VERNON.
This institution was organized under the laws of the State as the " Bank of Vernon," in 1839, with a capital of $100,000. John J. Knox was the first President, and Salmon Case first Cashier. The original Board of Directors consisted of the following persons, viz. : Abraham Van Eps, John J. Knox, Salmon Case, John Currie, Joseph L. Wil- liams, Charles Kirtland, John P. Sherwood, Calvary Wet- more, and Levi Skinner. The present stone bank building was erected the same year (1839). The bank was continued under the State law until 1865, when it was changed to a National bank, with the same amount of capital. The successor to Salmon Case as Cashier was T. F. Hand, now Cashier of the " Oneida Valley National Bank," at Oneida, and he, in turn, was succeeded by Everett Case, in 1851; the latter still continues in that capacity. Josiah Case is President, and George W. Dodge Vice-President, of the bank at this time. Josiah Case succeeded General J. J. Knox as President in 1862, and has held the position since. The present Board of Directors is composed of the following per- sons : George W. Dodge, Warren G. Strong, W. S. Todd, Joel H. Hills, A. Pierson Case, R. McIntosh, W. J. Mc- Kown, Josiah Case, B. M. Webber. Three attempts have been made to burglarize this bank, but the vault was not reached at either time. The last attempt was in the spring of 1876. Some of the tools used at that time were se- ereted about a mile from the village, and were found on the confession of one of the would-be thieves. They are in possession of the bank as euriositics.
In this village is a factory owned by Bullard Brothers, where are made "scythe-rifles" (emeried scythe-sharp- eners). It was established by the present proprietors many years ago, and is the only institution of the kind in the county. The market for its manufactures is New York City.
The village also contains four mercantile establishments, a saw-mill and grist-mill, a drain-tile factory, and numerous mechanic shops. The grist-mill was built for Abraham Van Eps, the first mill-wright being Robert Richardson, who erected and occupied the dwelling now owned by A. P. Case. Mr. Richardson also owned a brewery in the place. The Granger Brothers at one time had a factory here for making glass bottles; and a window-glass factory, which was owned and operated by a stock company, was located south of the village, and known as "Sherman's factory," from its manager, Willett Sherman. These fac- tories did an extensive business; the one at which bottles were made was afterwards removed to Saeondaga, Saratoga Co., and the window-glass establishment to Cleveland, O., and both are yet in existence. A small glass-factory was operated a short time at "Turkey Street," but was soon discontinued, and nothing of the kind has a present existence in the town.
THE VILLAGE OF VERNON CENTRE
is located southeast of Vernon village, and contains two stores, two churches, and the usual number and variety of shops found in a village of its size.
A post-office was established here soon after the war of 1812, and the first postmaster (or nearly the first) was Pitt
580
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Cody, who kept the office in his shoe-shop. He is now living in Wisconsin. His father, Samuel Cody, was a jus- tice of the peace. The early mails were carried in saddle- bags, on horseback, and before this office was established the nearest was at Vernon village. The present postmaster at the Centre is Willis Walter.
Mrs. P. M. Pettibone, now living in the village, is in her eighty-seventhi year, and came into the town in 1811, with a family named Ward, to visit her cousins, who were then living here. Her maiden name was Humphrey, and she was from Simsbury, Hartford Co., Conn. She was after- wards married to Elisha Pettibone, from Norfolk, Conn., who settled here about the same time.
The " Pettibone House," now occupied by A. S. White, was built very early, and Mrs. Pettibone says it was origi- nally a " small concern." One Mr. Hill was among its carly landlords. It is not now recollected who built it. After Mr. Pettibone came he purchased and rebuilt it in its pres- ent shape. He had painted upon it the words, " Elisha Pettibone's Hotel." It is at present the property of Jay Pettibone.
While Mr. Pettibone was completing his hotel a second one was started, in opposition to it, by a man named Hills, on the ground where the Methodist Episcopal parsonage now stands. This was discontinued after Mr. Pettibone became settled, which circunstanee occurred on New Year's day, about 1818. The latter gentleman owned a distillery north of the village, and operated it for many years. He happened to be at Buffalo during the war of 1812, at the time the place was burned, although he was not a soldier.
As early as 1817-18 a store was kept opposite the hotel by Sylvester Herrick ; it was the only one then in the vil- lage, and was one of the first established.
John Barber, the father of Jonathan Barber (the latter now a resident of the village), came into the town in 1813, and located north of Vernon village. He was from Cam- bridge, Washington Co., and originally from Ireland.
For information received in this town we are indebted to John B. Avery, M. L. Carr, Mrs. Timothy Jenkins and daughter (Mrs. Hickox), the Misses Parkhurst, and others, at Oneida Castle ; Mrs. Salmon Case and sons (A. P. and Everett), Henry A. Williams, Benjamin S. Williams, J. B. Loomis, J. Sherman Carpenter, and others, at Vernon ; the proprietors of the Oneida Community manufactories ; Mrs. P. M. Pettibone and others, at Vernon Centre; and the members of religious denominations, and many others throughout the town.
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